To the Right Hon. J. Villiers.
«Coïmbra, 31st May, 1809.
»My dear Villiers,
»I have long been of opinion that a British army could bear neither success nor failure, and I have had manifest proofs of the truth of this opinion in the first of its branches in the recent conduct of the soldiers of this army. They have plundered the country most terribly, which has given me the greatest concern...
»They have plundered the people of bullocks, among other property, for what reason I am sure I do not know, except it be, as I understand is their practice, to sell them to the people again. I shall be very much obliged to you if you will mention this practice to the Ministers of the Regency, and beg them to issue a proclamation forbidding the people, in the most positive terms, to purchase any thing from the soldiers of the British army.
»We are terribly distressed for money. I am convinced that 300,000 l. would not pay our debts; and two month's pay is due to the army. I suspect the Ministers in England are very indifferent to our operations in this country...
»Believe me, etc.
»Arthur Wellesley.»
To Viscount Castlereagh, Secretary of State.
«Coïmbra, 31st May, 1809.